Whitney Fairbridge

ADHD in Women and Girls

According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This is at a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.

These symptoms are more difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently from males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD may have a difficult time telling their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.

Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They might also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.

It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulsive adhd in adult women symptoms might be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.

Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. As women begin to enter menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or a specialist.

Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.

Diagnosis

It's important that you see your GP in the event that you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they might have caused.

Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males, as many health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in receiving a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopause.

The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and be at risk for depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.

If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It may just take a bit more planning and effort.

You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. They may charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They can offer advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

women and adhd and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss the potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organizational skills and difficulty keeping track of things. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from Adhd in women book. The way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from adhd in women test are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thought and behavior.

CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with a Therapist. Other treatments that some people find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.

Women and girls with ADHD should seek out support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment method, such as behavioral therapy and medication. The process of organizing their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.

Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be related to the pressures of being a loving spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions developing, such as anxiety or depression.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD are often not understood. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD have co-existing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.

The good news is that there is plenty of support available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and a forum for people to ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP may refer the employee to a service that's most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some people find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their difficulties may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.

It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule or additional training and assistance at work.

At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions, including e-learning modules coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.